“GIVE HIM TO ME!” – ARTETA SHOWERS PRAISE ON LIVERPOOL STAR AFTER GAME-CHANGING DISPLAY VS BURNLEY
Liverpool snatched another late win at Turf Moor, edging Burnley 1-0 thanks to Mohamed Salah’s stoppage-time penalty. But while Salah grabbed the headlines, the real buzz centered around Florian Wirtz—whose impact off the bench left Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta both impressed and baffled.
After the match, Arteta didn’t hide his admiration:
“Watching his second-half display, I don’t understand why Slot left him out. If he’s not going to use him, then let him come to me.”
BENCH TO GAME-CHANGER
Once again, Wirtz started on the bench—a decision that continues to frustrate Liverpool fans. But the moment he came on, the game transformed. His vision, movement, and creativity stretched Burnley’s backline, unlocking spaces that Liverpool had struggled to find all evening.
Although Salah delivered the winner, it was Wirtz who dictated the late surge, pulling defenders out of position and sparking the sequence that led to the decisive penalty.
ARTETA’S OPEN ADMIRATION
Known for nurturing technical midfielders, Arteta was quick to highlight Wirtz’s qualities:
“He’s special. You could feel the change in energy and ideas when he came on. Players like him are rare. If Liverpool don’t want him, I’d take him tomorrow.”
The comments from a direct rival only intensify the spotlight on Arne Slot’s selection choices.
SLOT UNDER PRESSURE
Slot is already being criticized for overly cautious line-ups. Jamie Carragher previously argued no coach should sideline a player of Wirtz’s caliber. With Arteta now joining the chorus of praise, scrutiny of Slot’s decisions grows even louder.
Despite dominating possession (over 80%), Liverpool managed just three shots on target before Wirtz’s introduction—statistical proof of the German’s influence.
FAN REACTION
Supporters lit up social media after Arteta’s remarks. Many demanded Wirtz be made a starter, while others jokingly warned Slot not to give Arsenal any opening to lure him away.
One fan summed it up: “You don’t bench Wirtz—you build around him. Slot needs to wake up before someone else does.”
THE BIG QUESTION
Is Slot deliberately easing Wirtz in, or does he genuinely hesitate to trust him from the start? Either way, rival managers already see his potential.
And after Burnley, one thing is clear—Florian Wirtz is far too good to be a bench option.
